IHOD + DEAN STREET SOCIETY INTRODUCE #EncourageBeauty

February 27, 2013

If I had a dime for every time a friend or stranger was critical of herself in conversation… “I have the worst skin, my hair is such a pain, I just need to lose this belly bulge…” I have a feeling I would be a very rich woman. I am guilty of this myself. Its what we do. Sometimes we believe with truth what we are saying and other times, we have a genuine need for affirmation, and that is how we search for it. It breaks my heart to see the state of confidence in women today…of EVERY age.

{THE ENCOURAGE BEAUTY MANIFESTO (PART 1 OF 2)}

When Hilary approached me about this genius idea to Encourage Beauty in the month of March, I immediately jumped on board and here’s why…

The root of the word “encourage” is “to put courage in”. You have the ability every day, to put courage in another person. You have the choice to use your words and actions to inspire confidence in everyone you talk to. If you remind a friend that her reflection glows every time she pulls out those jewel toned sweaters, that is what will run through her head the next time she is in her closet deciding what to wear. And because of this extra boost of confidence, she has the courage to turn to the stranger at the check out line and exclaim, “Excuse me, but I just had to tell you that your auburn hair is truly stunning.” The compliment may be about her exterior, but it always will encourage interior dignity, which runs far deeper than we can see.

And so this month, Hilary Rushford of Dean Street Society and I will be hosting the #EncourageBeauty Challenge. Hilary is a dear friend I met back in September, and have been inspired by her since. Honestly, she is a blast to follow! You can head over to read her part in this story and the other half of the manifesto!

We can’t wait to share the rest of the details with you tomorrow. But for now, if you’re with us in this manifesto & commitment to #EncourageBeauty this March, Pin/Tweet/Facebook/Instagram & help spread the word! We will be sharing your stories. See you tomorrow:)

February 26, 2013

Thankful to Jessi for having me as a guest in her inspirational corner of the blog world:) My name is Anna, and I blog over at IHOD. I don’t know about you, but I am battling severe cabin fever, am anxious for spring blooms, and I am fighting off those winter blues. I am determined not to let it get the better of me, so I am sharing 5 things that have helped me wave off those gloomy days. We are almost there!

{Sources: Lisa Congdon Print, Winter Brights, DIY tent, Ritual Print, De-tox Salad}

1.) Pick up that back burner hobby. That think you have been putting off learning or passion you haven’t made time for recently. Believe me, I barely have time to shower every day let alone pay attention to hobbies, but I decided to do it. I took an online calligraphy course – something I always wanted to try and conquer. A mere ten minutes a day has given me a healthy dose of therapeutic happiness. I can’t wait to pursue new realms with this new skill.

2.) Don’t save the bright colors for summer. Pull them out now. They really are mood shifters. I ignore the neutrals and grab the brights to put on a game changer. Mind over matter, right?

3.) Be a kid with your kids. Dive into an at home DIY adventure with them like creating a reading nook, making a shopping center out of cardboard boxes, or set up your own art center for them to get messy with no regrets. Chances are, they are getting cabin fever just like you are. (Anyone else’s kids literally running circles around you these days??)

4.) Enjoy your favorite daily ritual. Whether its a large cup of joe, a hot shower at the end of the day, or your ten minute gospel reflection in the mornings. If its something you look forward to, embrace it, and don’t skip over it – even if everything else seems more important at the moment. We were ma

5) Make a giant de-tox fruit salad. If you want to battle the tired and drowsy winter afternoons, indulge in a giant de-tox salad:) This is something my children get on board with too. This line-up is a natural way to get an energy boost that is delicious to boot.

What are some ways you battle those last winter weeks before spring??

Bump Styled: 5 months – Nautical + Yellow

February 25, 2013

{Top: c/o Tailor and Stylist, Denim: Gap, Clutch: DIY, Watch: c/o Tailor and Stylist, Necklace: c/o Dear Margot, Heels: Zara (similar)

Nautical and yellow. Two loves I will never grow tired of.

Silky soft material had nothing to do with the fact that I wore this tee to bed last night…

By the way dear readers, I hope you are taking note of the extra face padding taking residence this pregnancy. I actually prefer the more healthy robust look so I will take it. Just packing weight for the sleepless days to come;) The second trimester is a beautiful thing. Baby movements, no nausea, more energy, and the hope that spring will grace the state of Georgia soon:)

P.S. Dear Academy Awards….

Les Mis should have.

Shop Scoop: Iristy

February 22, 2013

{Featured bracelets: Lizou, Czech Fire Beaded Bracelet}

I have a requirement with bracelets and bangles. They can’t be too troublesome….too big, to clanky, too noisy….you get the idea. Since I am usually hanging out with my little ones or working on the computer, I need fuss free. This doesn’t mean I like to sacrifice my love for accessories mind you;)

This is why I am smitten with my new pieces from Iristy. They fit my small wrists to the tee, are no fuss, and are easy to layer with other pieces. I couldn’t get over how quality these lovelies are for the price. I am making this shop a regular stop for birthday gifts. Have a look, and let your jaw drop over the prices:) That’s the scoop my friends!

Happy weekend:)

Iristy: Website // Facebook // Twitter

*This is a sponsored post that is 100% my own opinion.

Dinner Series: Chicago Style Italian Beef

February 20, 2013

It is so good you will be thinking about it the next day…..5 ingredients, easy to make, and its cheaper than flying to Chicago. 🙂

Be prepared, this Italian Beef will KNOCK YOUR SOCKS OFF. I made it over the weekend for a dinner party and it was a huge hit.

The taste is memorable…

Here is what you will need:
2lb. Beef Roast (I used Rump Roast but you can use Arm or Chuck Roast too)
2 packets of Italian Seasoning
2 beef boullion cubes (1 per pound of meat)
1 cup water (or a 1/2 cup per pound of meat)
1 small jar banana peppers (undrained)
Half Green and Red Pepper chopped (optional)

Throw the roast into your crockpot. Wix the Italian Seasonings into the water and pour over roast. Toss in banana peppers and green and red peppers if using. Turn on High for the first hour and then low for 4 hours. The meat will be extremely tender and juicy.

Watch as strangers and friends start flocking to your kitchen wanting to know what smells so amazing.

On a cutting board or platter, thinly slice meat and pour some of juice over.
Place on chibata or french bread for sandwiches or just serve alone.
Serves 12 (Dinner party size)
Half the recipe for a family!

It is a dinner that will bring many to your table so….Eat SLOW, take your time so as to SAVOUR every bite, and ENJOY the dinner that brings you together. 🙂

My Food Philosophy: Because the effort to make good food is a gift to those around me, it’s happy memories, togetherness, the living part of life.

**Maria is my sister and long time best friend. Check out the rest of her posts here.

Expand the mind, perfect your craft

February 19, 2013

Spare time is not something that is in my realm of vocabulary as of late, but I have realized how healthy it is for your mind to MAKE the time to do something you love – even if it is just ten minutes a day. That ten – twenty minutes I steal during nap time or after the kids are in bed, are similar to mental therapy;) I dive into my little creative world. and use a set of lungs that you can’t see but are vital to my existence..

I just finished an online calligraphy course through Melissa of I Still Love Calligraphy. Its an incredibly well done course with printables and demonstration videos (I am a visual learner). She makes it easy and fun to learn and experiment. It felt so refreshing to try something new, and cross of something from my bucket list;)

A few books that are encouraging husband and I to expand the mind, and perfect our craft:) (Mine being hand lettering and typography, his being the outdoors.)

Top to bottom: 1) Maybooks journal 2) Verdant Journal 3)Typography Sketchbooks 4) Bring the outdoors In by Shane Powers

Gabe and I don’t get to travel together very often (weekend long babysitters are not in our budget), but we do encourage each other to take solo opportunities when they arise. For instance, he was the one who encouraged me to head to New York a few weeks ago. I received this Travel Journal by John Robshaw just in time for the trip, and was able to take note of all the fun spots and divine eats I experienced:)

What about you?

Something you have been wanting to tackle and learn? Somewhere you want to travel?

Oh My Chic on Repeat

February 18, 2013

{Tee: c/o Ily Couture, Pants: similar here, Cap: H&M similar, Heels: Zara similar, Ring: c/o Ily Couture}

I actually wore this shirt for three days in a row. Wore it with sweatpants, jeans, and then dressed it up with heels. It was just that comfortable, which was necessary this week. I am taking cues from my three year old who insists on wearing his favorite shirt inside out for days in a row until I hide and wash it.

I started to feel the baby move these past few weeks. The rewarding and terribly sweet reminder that there is a little one growing in there and we are over the half way mark! Fastest pregnancy yet.

And Downton Abbey…I can’t even talk about it. Yelled at the screen and fist shook at the producers….I will get over it eventually. Sigh…

That’s all for now friends.

Have a great start to your week!

Love, Anna